Why today adds up to the happiest day of the year

FEELING good today? That’ll be because it’s the happiest day of the year, according to a psychologist.

Dr Cliff Arnall has used a mathematical formula to calculate that things which make us happy []

And an England football win tonight would just be the icing on top.

Dr Cliff Arnall has used a mathematical formula to calculate that things which make us feel good such as sunny evenings, blooming flowers, holiday anticipation and fond memories of childhood summers are at their peak today.

The former Cardiff University lecturer, 45, attached numbers to the factors and created a happiness formula: O + (N x S) + Cpm/T + He.

When a value for being outdoors (O) is added to nature (N) multiplied by social interaction (S), added to childhood summer memories (Cpm) divided by temperature (T), and added to holiday excitement (He) then the third Friday in June comes out as the optimal day for peak happiness.

Dr Arnall, who runs happiness coaching clinics for health professionals and businesses from Brecon, Powys, said: “Around 20 million people will watch England v Algeria on TV, and a win would mean millions being on a high even higher than is seen among most people at this time of year.

“The third Friday in June came out with the highest rating due to peaking happiness factors such as warm summer evenings outdoors, seeing friends more frequently, and excitement about holidays.” Dr Arnall advised people to focus on happiness rather than material gain.

He said: “Society is becoming more materialistic, with people wanting to keep up with the Joneses. People shouldn’t be asking ‘How much do I earn?’ but ‘How happy am I?’ The best piece of advice I can give is work less and spend more time with people you love. That will make you happiest.”